Lawmakers tour northern NJ, hear local officials

Dec. 3, 2012

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| Associated Press

EAST RUTHERFORD — New Jersey’s Senate budget committee has toured areas in Bergen County hard-hit by Hurricane Sandy and is hearing from local officials about damages.

The area flooded when the Hackensack River backed up due to a tidal surge. The towns of Moonachie and Little Ferry suffered extensive damage.

County executive Kathleen Donovan told the committee that Bergen County suffered $40 million in damage to public property alone.

Donovan and county emergency management chief Dwane Razzetti told the committee two of the biggest problems were a fuel shortage and a lack of sheltering space.

Monday’s hearing at the Meadowlands Racetrack is the second of several the committee is holding in Sandy’s aftermath. Future hearings will focus on utilities, transportation and beach erosion and rebuilding.

Gov. Chris Christie last week said Sandy caused $37 billion in damage and said the state would seek federal aid to cover most of the expenses.

Many cash-strapped towns are facing property tax hikes to make up for lost revenue from destroyed businesses and homes.